How to Stop Snoring With a Mouthpiece
Snoring is just one of those things that most people do not discuss openly. I have found that just as many women have problems with snoring as men do. If you are one of the many who suffer from snoring or who suffer from the results of someone close to you snoring, don't despair. There are effective methods to deal with snoring without surgery or spending an enormous amount of money.
Many oral mouthpieces have been tested to reduce or eliminate snoring. The most popular is a mouthpiece that moves the lower jaw forward. This enlarges your airway, preventing the collapse of your airway when you inhale, thus resulting in a reduction or complete elimination of snoring.
Things You'll Need
- Mouthpiece
- 2-qt. saucepan
- 4 cups of water
- Slotted spoon
- Watch with second hand
Instructions
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1
Choose a mouthpiece from an approved vendor from your doctor/dentist. Put the mouthpiece together, aligning the pegs to cause the lower jaw to move in a forward position. When normally closing your mouth, if your lower teeth touch the back of your first two upper teeth, the "normal" position is correct. Each manufacturer's mouthpiece is a little different, so take time to get the alignment correct for you.
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2
Boil 4 cups of water in a 2-qt. saucepan. Turn off the burner, and take the pan off the burner.
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3
Lower the mouthpiece into the hot water, gently using the slotted spoon. Keep it in the water for 1 minute. (If the lower part of the mouthpiece separates from the top part, just start over from step 2.)
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4
Lift the mouthpiece out of the hot water using the slotted spoon, and let it cool for a full 10 seconds.
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5
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Bite down hard, but resist the natural urge to move your lower jaw back (in its natural position). Keep your lower jaw comfortably forward while biting for 45 seconds.
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6
Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth and rinse with cold water.
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7
Use the new mouthpiece when you go to sleep.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Brush your teeth each time before using your mouthpiece.
It is helpful for some people to wear the mouthpiece an hour before going to bed to help adjust to the feel of the mouthpiece.
If you find that the mold you made is not correct (eg, your jaw is too far forward or not forward enough), follow steps 2 through 8 to remold your mouthpiece.
If you suspect that you or the person snoring is suffering from sleep apnea (a serious medical condition that causes you to stop breathing for a period of time), contact your doctor as soon as possible. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be treated as soon as possible.
If you have ever been diagnosed with TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint/temporomandibular joint disorder) or have problems with your jaw locking open or closed, consult your dentist before trying any of these devices.
If you have dental braces, an underbite or an overbite, speak to your dentist before using this device.
If after using the mouthpiece you experience pain or soreness, discontinue using it until you have spoken with your dentist/doctor.
If any of the mouthpiece manufacturer's instructions differ from these instructions, use the manufacturer's instructions.
This is one of many snoring remedies, and it may not work for everyone.
